Heart Happy: Greek Cuisine Serves Healthy Culinary Experience

By Marianne Salina

The Greeks have given the world a wealth of cultural bounty, from ancient mythology and antiquity artifacts, to some of the most wholesome and delicious cuisine known to our Western palates. It's no wonder they are credited with composing the very first cookbook as well.

In fact, as Americans refocus on healthy eating, the Mediterranean Diet provides food guidelines that can improve our health. Food lovers and culinary arts schools are following the Greek system's recipe for success, using vegetables, olive oil, cheeses, and nuts from the Mediterranean region. As Americans go Greek and research mounts with its benefits to the heart, it is clear that Mediterranean cuisine, with its vibrant cohesion of delicious, healthy foods, is here to stay.

Cooking School: Go Greek

Although it has nothing to do with fraternities or sororities, cooking school is the best place to learn how to prepare authentic Greek cuisine. After a little instruction the following favorites can be yours to try:

Spanikopita: It's tough to pronounce, but this essential Greek recipe includes the ingredients that make this dish a flavorful alternative to hamburgers. It's a Greek Spinach Pie, with feta cheese (goat's cheese) and Phyllo dough.
Baklava: A Greek dessert devoured around the world. Moist and chewy, this dish also requires Phyllo--paper-thin pastry dough that comes from the Greek word for "leaf."

Cooking school is an excellent way to taste the world's diverse culinary flavors. If sculpting dough as delicate as a leaf isn't enough to get you researching culinary arts schools, consider the travel opportunities--one bite at a time.

Sources

Greek Cuisine Enjoys Renewed Popularity with Health-Conscious Consumers (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/style/fooddrink/homeplate/s_206934.htm)

Greece: Ancient Times and Influences (http://www.recipe4us.co.uk/Cooking%20by%20Country/Greece.htm

Defining Traditional Food (http://www1.greece.gr/LIFE/GourmetGreece/dietaryguidelines.stm)

About the Author
Marianne Salina is a freelance writer in Spokane, Washington. She writes about pursuits in education and degree opportunities.